The Malay Language Centre of Singapore officially opened its doors yesterday, in conjunction with the inaugural Malay Language Fest.

The centre provides in-service training for the professional development of Malay language teachers in Singapore.

Although it was launched in 2010, it only moved to a new building in July last year.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who officiated the opening, said about 3,000 teachers participate in its programmes every year.

The centre has also given 35 teachers a chance to deliver their research papers at a conference and has sent 16 teachers to overseas immersion programmes.

He added that such programmes and initiatives help to broaden and strengthen a teacher's knowledge, which helps them to develop and uphold the Malay language, culture and identity.